“Not just this series, we’ve been looking for that kind of game all playoffs,” Mike Rupp said. “It was good for the players to know what it looks like. I think we just strayed from it.”

“When you play with a certain kind of confidence in your identity and what you do, if you get burned by it you keep going back to it and have the confidence in it. It felt throughout these playoffs, there was just a little hesitation in our game. Our strongest asset to this point is our aggression and our ability to pressure teams.”

Yet for much of this series, the New Jersey Devils’ forecheck and speed have been putting the pressure on the Rangers. Gross points out that New York managed to come back from a 3-2 deficit twice in 18 playoff opportunities in franchise history, yet the Rangers did so against Ottawa already.

So far, the Rangers have played their best hockey with their backs against the wall, but this looks to be the biggest test yet.

Devils up 2-0. This game is over. Tort will be looking for a new job by July. See ya queenly Henrik. Go play your guitar with McEnroe (another born loser).

tonyromoisterrible - May 25, 2012 at 9:22 PM

Another huge missed penalty for the rangers. Proust should have been in the sin bin for 2 min for slashing. Would have been a 5-3. This officiating is terrible. The renters are the dirtiest, luckiest SOB’s on earth. I hate NY

scotia54 - May 25, 2012 at 9:35 PM

I am a lifelong New Englander, and as such, am a rabid Boston Bruins fan (through good, bad and ugly!). As a Bostonian, it is in our DNA to loathe any New York team. (ie: Yankees and Jets). I am not a fan at all of the Devils, but I SO want to wipe that smug look off of Tort’s face!!
Game is tied 2-2 now, and I am holding out hope for the Devils. Pat Burns, GOD REST HIS SOUL, was a class act. He won a cup with the Devils and it would be great to see the Devils take the Cup now to honor him.
I agree, the officiating in this game is ridiculous! That slash alone should have at least been a 4!!

2-2!!!!Torts def coach of the year. Gotta know the slash wasn’t called bc of the acting for the “stick to the face”… Close, only missed by 6 inches

tonyromoisterrible - May 25, 2012 at 10:36 PM

The refs aren’t supposed to bring it all square. They are supposed to call it as it is and they did everyone a disservice by missing that slash. The rangers should not be involved in an OT. Makes me think there is a CONspiracy.